Violet demands it!!!!

On many occasions I have said that while I am out roaming about the hillside, I ponder some of the great mysteries of life. Deep thoughts such as why clouds look like pillows or how fish know to grow scales instead of fur occupy the brain. These things are of such great importance and if I could ever solve the mystery clouding them, I would indeed gain universal recognition! Today's thoughts turned toward another of these enigmas.

While on the pier, I noticed a small flock of Pelicans flying overhead. As I sat watching the seven birds in their graceful flight...the mind started to stray. "Why do birds fly in a V formation?" Is there some great law in the Avian World that mandates a certain formation shape? Perhaps different formations for different size birds? I usually see smaller birds flying in a huge mass during their migration. I figured that this was more for safety against larger predatory birds as it would most likely confuse a hawk to see a gigantic group of birds flying toward it. Yep...I think those little birds are pretty smart..but what about the V pilots? Most of the birds that I have ever seen in V formation are large migratory birds like the pelicans, geese, cranes or ducks. Why? I had always heard two different theories on the subject and sat pondering which was accurate. The first theory was that due to aerodynamics, each bird would cause an upwash that would help lift the bird behind. Later in the migration, the lead bird would fall back to the rear and actually be able to rest a bit while still on the wing. Makes sense! I am quite sure that occasionally during the long flight, the lead bird might need a bit of rest! The other theory that I remember from years ago was that the birds would fly like this so that each could have a clear view of what is ahead of them. Now, this makes a lot of sense as well! Think about it, we might have a lot of birds smacking into buildings or trees if they could not see where they were flying! Once I was back in the house, I did a bit of research and found that through studies, scientists now believe that both theories are correct! I did find out that there was another possible answer to the question. It seems that this formation could also help the birds to keep track with all others in the group. It is sort of like why fighter pilots fly their jets in the V formation. It helps them with communications and coordination of the group as a whole! Whew! Now that eases my mind tremendously! A great mystery of life is solved! Then again...perhaps birds fly in this formation merely because the leader's name starts with the letter V! Any other leader's name might create havoc! Just imagine if say Gus decided to lead the pack. Migration might never occur! I could hear the conversation now...."Alrighty, folks! This is Gus, your leader! Today, we migrate. You all will pay homage to me while in flight. Everybody....into the G formation!" There would be a great uprising as the other pelicans panicked. G formation would be nigh on impossible to obtain. In steps Violet to salve everyone's agitation. "I think I will be leader! V formation, everyone!" And Violet would immediately be voted as leader! So perhaps this is why birds fly in V formation! Violet demanded it!